Gospel Singer Lara George Reacts To Pastor Chris Oyakhilome’s Statement On Gospel Singers

• Lara George addressed the backlash against those who charge for their singing.

• She noted that Nigerian gospel singers are similar to secular musicians who make millions.

US-based Nigerian gospel artist Lara George has spoken out on the hot topic of whether Nigerian gospel singers deserve payment for their performances at churches and Christian events.

Lara George addressed the backlash against those who charge for their singing.

She noted that Nigerian gospel singers are similar to secular musicians who make millions. She emphasized that people might view the secular artists as less spiritual if they were the ones leading praise and worship.

“If you found out that your favorite non-Naija gospel artist charges $100k USD to sing songs of praise and worship, would they appear less spiritual to you because they do so? Or did you all think that they sing for free?” she asked.

She pointed out that some churches are willing to pay large sums to non-Nigerian artists, but they find it hard to consider paying Nigerian artists the same way. In her words,

“If you discovered that many of your favorite ‘pulpit persons’ who act as though paying the Naija artist is an unthinkable thing are actually paying the non-Naija artist those so-called ‘high sums of money,’ would your view of the ‘pulpit person’ change?”

The gospel singer, who expressed her dislike for bullies, also questioned the extravagant lifestyles of some pastors and asked where their money comes from.

“Have you ever asked whether it is the ‘pulpit-person’s’ tapes and CDs that are affording them the lavish lifestyles they live with private jets here and there? Or is that lifestyle from tithes and offerings???? A gospel artist is indeed a professional. A professional artist. Is there such a thing as a professional pastor? Dear ‘pastor,’ What’s your source of livelihood exactly? If we stop the tithes and offerings, will that ministry also retire??? I can’t stand either bullies or hypocrisy!”

See post below:

This is coming after Pastor Chris Oyakhilome explained that some well-known gospel singers left Christ Embassy because they started asking for payment for their performances and turned professional, earning money from the church.

See some comments below:

@djgosporella: “This same question I have asked,’IS PASTORING A PROFESSION?”

@ademefunadelayo: “How is Pastor Chris a bully? I hope you know he has invested in many of these gospel artists too.”

@_kingthorba: “Gospel Artiste come with instrumentalist, backups, they rehearse at studios etc .. all these require money. I do not understand why you won’t pay them for coming on your stage.”

@Favour:” Lara George, for you to come online and say this type of thing, your level of spirituality needs to be questioned… you think Pastor Chris will be poor if he is not a pastor? Please do better next time.